During my college years, I once earned a “nontraditional student” scholarship. It surprised me, partially because I didn’t know such a scholarship existed and partially because I never really thought of myself as a nontraditional student.
Although I did attend a community college first before transferring to a private university to finish my degree, I knew many people who did the same thing. Sure, I graduated in my mid-twenties, but I wasn’t the only one. And yes, I did take a couple of online classes during my college career, but so did many others.
Getting that scholarship made me realize that while others classified me as a nontraditional student, most of my peers had their own nontraditional moments throughout the course of their education as well.
That’s when it hit me: the traditional college student no longer exists.
Some students may have more traditional college experiences, but the entire system has changed so much in recent years.
It’s like watching an old episode of “Leave It to Beaver” and then watching an episode of “Modern Family.” Both are comedies that center on loving families, but the changes in the world from the late 1950s to present day have major impacts on the content of each program.
College education has faced similar societal changes. Gone are the days when a college degree was a luxury; now a degree is required for many entry-level jobs.
Going straight from high school into college and getting a degree within four years is not the only path these days. Some students take college classes while in high school and finish college earlier. Others get their degrees slowly, taking classes part-time while supporting a family or starting a career.
During my college years, I worked full-time. I didn’t get my degree in one straight shot. I had no idea at the time that two-thirds of students who re-enroll in college after a break never graduate.
I’m grateful for every moment of my education. It shaped me as a professional and as a person. And although I know the education system is not perfect, we are lucky to live in a world where education is at our fingertips at any time.
Online options, skills-based certificate programs and even free classes have opened up the chance for anyone to make education a priority.
Today’s college students are starting businesses while still in college and fighting to enact social change. Almost 25% of college students have children of their own, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.
These students are diverse people, not typical college student stereotypes. Giving college students the best possible education means understanding that they are unique and shouldn’t be limited to a one-size-fits-all education.
Tradition isn’t a bad thing. Many universities bring a lot of history and time-honored tradition into the college experience. Those elements can definitely enrich students’ lives and add value to their education.
But innovation is essential to education. Giving students options, teaching them to adapt and think critically will serve them well long after they graduate.
Erin Palmer is a writer, editor and proud “nontraditional” college graduate. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including The Chicago Tribune and The Huffington Post.
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